Towards the Development of the Informal Economy: The Case of Street Trading in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Previously, scholars in Nigeria have argued for and against the continuing existence of street trading activity in cities but no known study had examined how street trading could be developed. This chapter seeks to provide empirical evidence for its characteristics, values and challenges in order to provide insights into how street traders could be supported to make their trading activity more productive and sustainable. Findings showed that the street traders need entrepreneurship education, financial support and favourable regulatory measures to facilitate the development of their trades. The chapter concludes that street trading could be highly productive and sustainable if adequately supported.

Street Vendors Perception of the Effects of Their Activities on Enugu Urban Morphology

“…A few street traders acknowledged that sometimes poor parking of cars from their customers do cause traffic but considers that as not being their fault but the drivers' fault. The assertion of the traders refutes the study by scholars like Adedeji et al (2014), Mitullah, (2003 and Olaposi (2021) that showed that street vending activities obstruct traffic flow and reduce the capacity of roads and intersections, leading to increased travel times overcrowding, pedestrian accidents and delays for motorists.…”

“…One of the main issues is congestion, which occurs when street vendors occupy sidewalks or other public spaces that are meant for pedestrian use. This can lead to overcrowding, pedestrian accidents, and reduced mobility for people with disabilities or limited mobility (Olaposi, 2021). In addition, street traders may obstruct traffic flow and reduce the capacity of roads and intersections, leading to increased travel times and delays for motorists (Mitullah, 2003).…”

“…Most cities lack policies on the regulation of street vending and where such exist, it's usually outdated. However, in some cities in Nigeria where policy exists, they have not been fully implemented as designed and in some cases, they are wrongly implemented by emphasizing more on the use of coercion, (Olaposi, 2021). Recent studies by Onyebueke, (2000); Ezeadichie, (2012) and Onodugo et al, (2016) and John-Nsa (2022) have shown that the repressive regulation of street vending has usually come in the form of forceful eviction, relocation, complete disregard, clampdown and imposition of fines and levies all in a bid to rid the city of such nuisance.…”